Understanding the Colonial Past: Do Young People in the Netherlands Know about Their Nation’s Colonization of Indonesia?
Understanding the Colonial Past: Do Young People in the Netherlands Know about Their Nation’s Colonization of Indonesia?
Introduction
Many young people in the Netherlands are aware that their country once colonized Indonesia, now known as the Dutch East Indies. However, the depth of their knowledge varies. This article delves into the extent of awareness among Dutch millennials and beyond, the current state of colonial history education, and ongoing societal discussions surrounding this period.
Awareness Among Dutch Millennials
Colonial history is part of the educational curriculum for many Dutch students, and discussions about colonialism have become more prominent in recent years. However, the level of knowledge varies, with some individuals having a more in-depth understanding of the complexities and impacts of colonization.
Some argue that more critical examination of the colonial past is necessary, even if the past is not revisited for blame. Instead, the goal should be to learn from past mistakes to shape a better future. Yet, despite this argument, there is a general sentiment that many Dutch individuals, especially millennials and older generations, still lack knowledge about the colonial history of Indonesia and other former Dutch territories such as Suriname, which are deeply intertwined with Dutch history and family histories.
Current State of Colonial History Education
Throughout most of the 20th century, colonial history, especially the negative sides of colonialism, was not a central part of Dutch high school curricula. During the author's high school days, less light was shed on the Dutch East Indies than on the "Golden Age" and the positive effects of colonialism and trade in the 17th century. It wasn't until university that the author had to take special courses to learn more about the former Dutch East Indies.
Yet, there has been some change in this regard, influenced by global awareness movements such as Black Lives Matter. More scholars, particularly those in their millennial and later generations, are researching Indonesian colonial history. Additionally, there are more cultural events, movies, and media that highlight the Dutch East Indies, such as the “Revolusi!” exhibition at the national museum, documentaries by David van Reybrouck, and films like "De Oost" by Jim Taihuttu.
Conclusion
The colonial past of the Netherlands and Indonesia is a topic that remains relevant today. While there is growing awareness, it is still uneven, especially among young people. Ongoing societal discussions are crucial for understanding and addressing the impacts of colonial history, fostering a better future grounded in these lessons.